Patentable/Patents/US-11983599
US-11983599

System and method for document processing

PublishedMay 14, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to document processing, and more particularly to systems and methods that can utilize relative positions between the content of the document and a decodable indicia affixed to the document. In one embodiment, indicia reading terminals are provided that include an imaging module for capturing a frame of image data of a document. The document can include one or more decodable indicia such as a form barcode and various content fields, which delineate particular content of the document. The form barcode can include information respecting the form design and form design data. This information can be used to process the content of the document such as by providing coordinates or similar location and positioning metrics for use in processing the content of the document. In one example, the frame of image data is analyzed to identify the form barcode, from which the relative location of the content fields can be discerned without extensive processing of the frame of image data.

Patent Claims
13 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operative to process raw or relatively low resolution captured image when processing the frame of the image.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to image processing systems designed to enhance or analyze visual data, particularly in scenarios where raw or low-resolution images are used. The system is configured to process frames of captured images, even when those images are in their original, unprocessed form or have relatively low resolution. This capability is useful in applications where high-resolution images are not available or where real-time processing of raw data is required, such as in surveillance, medical imaging, or autonomous systems. The system may include components for capturing, storing, or transmitting images, as well as processing modules that apply algorithms to improve image quality, extract features, or perform other analytical tasks. By handling raw or low-resolution input, the system ensures that valuable information can still be derived from imperfect or limited visual data, improving reliability and usability in practical applications. The processing may involve noise reduction, resolution enhancement, object detection, or other techniques to make the image data more useful for further analysis or decision-making.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operative to determine the configuration of the barcode based on at least one of a size of the barcode, a shape of the barcode, and a color of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A system for barcode analysis determines the configuration of a barcode by evaluating at least one of its size, shape, or color. The system processes barcode images to extract these visual characteristics, which define the barcode's structure and encoding method. By analyzing the size, the system identifies the barcode's dimensions, which may indicate the type of barcode (e.g., 1D or 2D) or its intended use. The shape analysis distinguishes between different barcode formats, such as rectangular, square, or circular, which can influence scanning and decoding methods. Color detection helps differentiate between monochrome and color barcodes, which may contain additional data layers or error correction features. The system uses these parameters to configure its decoding algorithms, ensuring accurate interpretation of the barcode's encoded information. This approach improves barcode recognition in diverse environments, accommodating variations in printing quality, lighting conditions, and physical distortions. The system may integrate with imaging devices, such as cameras or scanners, to capture barcode images and apply the configuration logic in real time. This method enhances automation in inventory management, retail checkout, and logistics applications by adapting to different barcode formats dynamically.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operative to determine the configuration of the barcode based on at least one of a printing material of the barcode and factor of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A system for barcode configuration analysis evaluates the structure of a barcode by assessing at least one of the printing material used for the barcode or a specific factor of the barcode. The system determines the barcode's configuration by analyzing properties such as the material composition, which may affect readability or durability, and other relevant factors like barcode size, density, or environmental conditions. This analysis helps optimize barcode performance by ensuring compatibility with scanning devices and maintaining data integrity under varying conditions. The system may integrate with printing or scanning equipment to dynamically adjust settings based on the determined configuration, improving accuracy and reliability in barcode applications. The underlying technology addresses challenges in barcode readability and durability, particularly in industries where barcodes are exposed to harsh environments or require high precision, such as manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare. By accounting for material and factor-based variations, the system enhances barcode functionality across diverse use cases.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the printing material comprises at least one of an ultraviolet ink and an infrared ink.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a printing system designed to enhance security and authentication features in printed materials. The system addresses the challenge of counterfeiting and unauthorized reproduction by incorporating specialized inks that are detectable under specific conditions. The printing material includes at least one of an ultraviolet (UV) ink or an infrared (IR) ink, which are not visible under normal lighting conditions but become visible or exhibit distinct properties when exposed to UV or IR light. This allows for secure verification of printed documents, labels, or packaging. The system may also include a printing mechanism capable of applying these inks in precise patterns or codes, ensuring that the security features are integrated seamlessly into the printed output. The use of UV or IR inks provides an additional layer of protection against forgery, as these inks require specialized equipment to detect, making unauthorized replication difficult. The system may be part of a larger printing apparatus or a standalone module integrated into existing printing workflows. The invention aims to improve the security of printed materials by leveraging the unique properties of UV and IR inks, ensuring authenticity and deterring counterfeiters.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operative to determine the configuration of the barcode based on a barcode indicator associated with the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A system for barcode configuration detection analyzes barcodes by interpreting a barcode indicator linked to the barcode. The system identifies the specific configuration of the barcode, such as its type, structure, or encoding scheme, by evaluating this indicator. This allows the system to accurately decode and process the barcode data according to its determined configuration. The barcode indicator may be embedded within the barcode itself or provided as a separate data element associated with the barcode. The system ensures compatibility with various barcode formats by dynamically adapting its decoding process based on the detected configuration. This approach enhances barcode reading accuracy and efficiency, particularly in environments where multiple barcode types are present. The system may also include imaging hardware, such as a camera or scanner, to capture the barcode and its associated indicator, along with processing components to analyze and interpret the data. The configuration detection process may involve pattern recognition, decoding algorithms, or database lookups to match the indicator with known barcode configurations. This method improves barcode processing in applications like inventory management, retail, logistics, and automated data capture systems.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is operative to determine the configuration of the barcode based on a pre-assigned geometric pattern of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A system for barcode configuration analysis determines the structure of a barcode by evaluating a pre-assigned geometric pattern embedded within the barcode. The system processes the barcode image to identify and decode the geometric pattern, which defines the barcode's layout, including symbol dimensions, quiet zones, and data encoding regions. This geometric pattern serves as a reference to reconstruct the barcode's configuration, enabling accurate decoding even if portions of the barcode are damaged or obscured. The system may also include image capture components, such as cameras or scanners, to acquire the barcode image, and processing modules to analyze the geometric pattern and extract encoded data. The geometric pattern may consist of specific alignment marks, reference points, or modular grid structures that dictate the barcode's format. By leveraging this pattern, the system ensures reliable barcode interpretation across various applications, including inventory management, authentication, and tracking systems. The approach enhances robustness in environments where traditional barcode scanning methods may fail due to partial degradation or environmental interference.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The indicia reader of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to process raw or relatively low resolution captured image when processing the frame of the image.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to an indicia reader, such as a barcode or QR code scanner, designed to improve scanning performance by processing raw or low-resolution captured images. The device includes an imaging system that captures frames of an object, such as a barcode, and a processor that analyzes these frames to decode the indicia. The processor is specifically configured to handle raw or low-resolution image data, which may be less detailed but faster to process, allowing for quicker decoding. This approach reduces computational overhead while maintaining accuracy, particularly in scenarios where high-resolution imaging is unnecessary or impractical. The system may also include additional features, such as adaptive focusing mechanisms or dynamic exposure control, to optimize image capture for different lighting or distance conditions. By leveraging low-resolution processing, the indicia reader achieves faster operation without sacrificing reliability, making it suitable for applications where speed and efficiency are critical, such as retail checkout systems or logistics tracking. The invention addresses the challenge of balancing processing speed and accuracy in indicia reading devices, particularly in environments where high-resolution imaging is not always feasible.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The indicia reader of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the configuration of the barcode based on at least one of a size of the barcode, a shape of the barcode, and a color of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A barcode reader system is designed to decode barcodes with varying configurations, including size, shape, and color. The system includes an imaging sensor to capture an image of a barcode and a processor to analyze the image. The processor is configured to determine the barcode's configuration by evaluating at least one of its size, shape, or color. This allows the system to adapt to different barcode formats, improving accuracy and reliability in diverse scanning environments. The processor may also apply image processing techniques to enhance the barcode image before decoding, ensuring robust performance even with distorted or low-quality barcodes. The system may further include a communication interface to transmit decoded data to external devices, enabling integration with inventory management, point-of-sale, or tracking systems. The ability to dynamically assess barcode characteristics ensures compatibility with a wide range of barcode types, including traditional linear barcodes, 2D barcodes, and color-coded barcodes, enhancing versatility in applications such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The indicia reader of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the configuration of the barcode based on at least one of a printing material of the barcode and a factor of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A barcode reader system is designed to accurately decode barcodes by analyzing their physical characteristics. The system includes a processor that determines the configuration of a barcode based on at least one of the printing material used for the barcode or a specific factor of the barcode. The printing material may include properties such as ink type, substrate material, or surface texture, which can affect readability. The barcode factor may refer to structural elements like barcode density, symbol size, or contrast levels. The processor adjusts decoding parameters based on these factors to improve scanning accuracy. The system may also include an imaging module to capture barcode images and a communication interface to transmit decoded data. The processor may further analyze environmental conditions, such as lighting or distance, to optimize barcode recognition. This approach enhances reliability in diverse scanning environments, addressing challenges posed by varying barcode materials and printing conditions. The system is particularly useful in industrial, retail, or logistics applications where barcodes are subjected to wear, environmental exposure, or printing inconsistencies.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, the computer-implemented method further comprising determining the configuration of the barcode based at least in part on at least one of a size of the barcode, a shape of the barcode, and a color of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method for barcode configuration involves analyzing and determining the configuration of a barcode based on its physical characteristics. The method includes evaluating at least one of the barcode's size, shape, or color to determine its configuration. This process may be part of a broader system for generating, processing, or interpreting barcodes, where the configuration influences how the barcode is read, encoded, or displayed. The method may also involve adjusting the barcode's properties to optimize readability, compatibility with scanning devices, or aesthetic presentation. By analyzing these visual attributes, the system can adapt the barcode's design to meet specific requirements, such as ensuring it meets industry standards, fits within a designated space, or aligns with branding guidelines. The method may be used in applications like inventory management, retail labeling, or digital document processing, where precise barcode configuration is critical for accurate data capture and system integration.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, the computer-implemented method further comprising forming an image grid over the frame of the image, wherein the image grid comprises one or more points and at least one point is established over at least one corner of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method processes images containing barcodes to enhance scanning accuracy. The method involves capturing an image frame containing a barcode and analyzing the frame to detect the barcode's presence. Once detected, the method forms an image grid over the frame, where the grid consists of multiple points. At least one of these grid points is positioned over a corner of the barcode. This grid-based approach helps in precisely locating and aligning the barcode within the image, improving the accuracy of subsequent decoding steps. The method may also include preprocessing the image to enhance barcode visibility, such as adjusting brightness or contrast, and applying error correction techniques to handle distortions or partial occlusions. The grid formation ensures that the barcode's key features, such as corners and edges, are accurately identified, which is critical for reliable barcode reading in various lighting conditions or when the barcode is partially obscured. This technique is particularly useful in applications requiring high-speed or automated barcode scanning, such as retail, logistics, and inventory management systems.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein the configuration of the barcode is determined based at least in part on a pre-assigned geometric pattern of the barcode.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to barcode configuration in computer-implemented systems, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing barcode readability and encoding efficiency. The method involves generating a barcode with a configuration that is determined based on a pre-assigned geometric pattern. This geometric pattern defines the structural layout of the barcode, including the arrangement of data elements, quiet zones, and error correction regions. The system analyzes the pre-assigned pattern to ensure the barcode meets specified performance criteria, such as scan reliability and data density. The method may also incorporate additional parameters, such as barcode type (e.g., QR code, DataMatrix) and environmental factors (e.g., lighting conditions, printing resolution), to further refine the configuration. By leveraging a pre-assigned geometric pattern, the system ensures consistency in barcode generation while allowing customization for specific use cases. This approach improves barcode accuracy and reduces errors during scanning, particularly in automated systems where barcode quality directly impacts operational efficiency. The invention is applicable in logistics, retail, and manufacturing, where reliable barcode scanning is critical for inventory management and tracking.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein receiving the frame of the image comprises capturing the frame of the image.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for processing image frames, particularly in systems where real-time image capture and analysis are required. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently obtaining and processing image data, which is critical in applications such as surveillance, autonomous navigation, and quality control. The invention involves capturing a frame of an image, which may be part of a sequence of frames, and then analyzing the captured frame to extract relevant information. The captured frame is processed to identify features, objects, or patterns within the image, enabling further actions such as object recognition, motion detection, or data logging. The method ensures that the captured frame is accurately obtained and prepared for subsequent analysis, improving the reliability and efficiency of image-based systems. By integrating capture and processing steps, the invention reduces latency and enhances the overall performance of image analysis tasks. The method is particularly useful in environments where timely and precise image data is essential for decision-making or system operation.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

October 19, 2022

Publication Date

May 14, 2024

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